-Garrett-
“Where do you go when you disappear?”
I swallowed hard. Valerio had always accepted my absences without question. Therefore, I knew his question could only mean one thing: I had lost his respect.
“You’ve never asked me that before,” I said quietly.
“I never felt the need to,” he sneered.
I swallowed again, unable to hold his eyes any longer. Damn it, I couldn’t tell him. I knew he needed me to be open so he could trust me again, but I just couldn’t.
“I know I’ve been absent, but I’m here now. I’m trying, my lord,” I said, hoping he’d accept my words. But his skepticism remained.
“One day,” he began, pointing a finger at me, “you will tell me, not because I ask, but because you know it’s the right thing to do for yourself.”
I nodded, finally looking up at Valerio. He sigh
